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Determined Greece prove their metal
Saturday, 07 June 2003
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By James Bryan
Stelios Giannakopoulos gave Greece a shock 1-0 win against group leaders Spain
with a magnificent 20-metre drive just before half time in their Group Six Euro
2004 qualifier. The Greek goal came completely out of the blue as Spain had
dominated throughout and were desperately unfortunate not to have taken the lead
after manufacturing a host of first half opportunities.
But the goal turned its game on its head and despite seeing their opponents
reduced to ten-men with the sending off of defender Stelios Venetidis in the
82nd minute, Spain were unable to break down the dogged Greek defence. It was
Spain's first home defeat in a qualifying match since they lost 2-1 to France in
a European championship qualifier Seville in October 1991.
With Ukraine grabbing a 4-3 injury time win over Armenia earlier on Saturday the
Greek victory throws the group wide open. Spain continue to lead on 10 points,
but are now just one ahead of both Ukraine and Greece, who meet each other in
Athens on Wednesday. Inaki Saez's side travel to Belfast to play Northern
Ireland.
Euro 2004 results, fixtures and tables
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